Useful Packing Moving And Storage Tips

By Adriana Noton

Moving is a pain in the neck. And back. And head. Let's face it ' no one likes to move. It's stressful, it's time consuming, and it's as much fun as a hangover. To avoid all this, follow these packing moving and storage tips to keep on top of everything and prevent common problems.

The minute you know you are moving is the time to start planning. Even if you are moving next door, there are things to do that can't wait till the last minute. Collecting boxes is only a small portion of what needs to be done, yet it's one of the most important tasks that never seems to be given the importance it deserves. It maybe a good time to think about using public storage or even self storage to reduce stress.

This is the perfect time to clean out the closets, the basement, attic, garage, kids' rooms ' any area that has been accumulating junk for years. Sell what you can and donate the rest for a tax deduction. If you haven't used it, worn it, seen it or missed it in a year ' get rid of it. Moving it will take and money ' all wasted.

Now, figure out how you are going to move. If you need professional help, don't get pushed into hiring a company without a thorough reference check ' customers, websites, BBB offices. The moving industry is notorious for sneaky business practices. Before signing a contract, read it. Every word, especially the fine print. Too many families pull up to their new home only to find the movers won't hand over your belongings without payment for additional services you never asked for.

Moving yourself will certainly save plenty of money, but this alone can cause its own problems. Don't rely on friends who aren't reliable. Too many families have waited for hours for these friends to show up only to find out they forgot, changed their minds, or arrived hours late. Don't promise them food and beer, either. Beer and your valuables don't go well together. Save the liquor and heavy refreshments for after everything is safely placed in your new house.

Choose items that you don't use regularly and pack those first. You might think that packing far in advance will cause problems later, but packing is time consuming when done correctly. Start early, continue regularly, and you'll be happy.

Don't pay a fortune for brand new moving boxes for regular items. You may want to invest in professional wardrobe carriers and boxes that are designed specifically for china. Other than that, boxes from grocery and liquor stores work just fine.

Stay away from huge boxes. They tend to get overpacked and almost too heavy to pick up. If someone can pick them up, the bottom usually falls out. Use boxes that anyone can carry and stuff accordingly.

Mark everything in a logical manner that will help at your new destination. If people don't know where to put boxes, everything ends up in the wrong place. Mark boxes in large letters, on all sides! When you are looking at stacks of boxes and the label is in the wrong place, you're in trouble. - 30331

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